Parallax Presents: Applied AI on the Road - Manchester

Applied AI is coming to Manchester. Join us this November for another Applied AI on the Road, and explore the real-world impact of AI, without the jargon.

Applied AI is an evening of thought-provoking talks, live examples, and down-to-earth discussion focused on how AI is being applied today - in teams, in products, and in the everyday decisions we make at work.

It's for anyone who's curious about how AI is changing the way we work, build, and think. No technical background needed, just bring your curiosity and an open mind. We’re all about keeping things inclusive and welcoming, and we believe the future of AI should be shaped by a diverse mix of voices.

Whether you're a seasoned professional or just beginning your AI journey, Applied AI offers a unique opportunity to learn, network, and contribute to shaping the future of AI.

🎤 Why boring problems are the most exciting opportunity for AI

James Hall | Co-founder & AI Tech Lead, Parallax

Most organisations fall into the chatbot trap. As the most ‘visible’ form of AI, many businesses look to implement what they understand and recognise. But this requires building chatbots with massive surface areas of things that could be asked and therefore a massive range of potential outputs. This is very difficult to test and can easily frustrate users.

James’ session will draw upon his vast experience to reveal that the most impactful AI innovations happen in the boring, overlooked processes that nobody thought to automate before. Drawing from real client-facing AI implementations, his talk will demonstrate how to identify high-impact AI opportunities by working backwards from your biggest time drains, rather than forward from the latest AI trends.

🎤 Smarter Journeys: The AI Revolution Across Transport and Travel

Roads? Where We’re Going, We Don’t Need Roads - Just Data, Design and some Human-Centered Thinking

Helena Hill | Experience Design & AI Strategist

Artificial intelligence is driving a new era of innovation across every mode of transport. From airports to rail networks, AI is powering more predictive, efficient, and sustainable systems that are reshaping how people and goods move around the world. But technology alone doesn’t create progress - design does. When human-centered thinking meets intelligent data, it transforms complexity into clarity, unlocking smoother operations and better passenger experiences.

This session explores how AI, data, and design are converging to redefine mobility - and why the future of transport belongs to innovators, not observers. Those who experiment responsibly, combining insight, creativity, and emerging technology, will lead the way toward smarter, more connected journeys for all.